County may see extra $200,000

Commissioners hope to maximize federal reimbursement programs

Lubbock County officials say they hope to infuse an extra $200,000 or more into the county budget next year by taking advantage of federal reimbursement programs for housing prisoners.

''If we can receive $1 of additional funds, it's an advantage to the taxpayer,'' Commissioner Kenny Maines said after Monday's meeting. ''It seems like a good deal.''

The commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Vertex, a consulting firm that specializes in ''federal revenue optimization.'' The firm already works with about 30 counties statewide.

Maines said any extra money generated by Vertex will be valuable when county officials start hammering out next year's budget.

''It's like someone walking up to us and saying, 'Here's $100,000,' '' Maines said.

Commissioner James Kitten said other counties that employ Vertex gave the firm good reviews. Based on results around the state, Kitten said, Lubbock could see ''a couple hundred thousand dollars'' through increased reimbursements.

Scott Thompson, a regional account manager for Vertex, said Lubbock is already eligible for the federal funds that his firm would seek. The federal reimbursement would help offset the cost of services the county already provides, such as housing illegal aliens at the Lubbock County Jail or placing children in foster-care programs.

Under the new contract, Vertex will work with the county auditor and the Sheriff's Office to document these expenses and apply for the federal funds, Thompson said. Vertex will keep 22 percent of the money, and the county pockets the rest.

Commissioner Nathan Ziegler questioned whether the county needs an outside firm to handle the reimbursement. But County Auditor Lawrence Jones told the commissioners that his office would need extra employees to collect the data necessary for full reimbursement.

Thompson argued Vertex offers a cost-effective way to collect the maximum reimbursement.

''We do it better,'' he said. ''In the Sheriff's Office, their job is law enforcement, not accounting.''

After the meeting, Ziegler said the deal is fair to the county.

''The contract is structured so we only pay Vertex if they perform,'' Ziegler said. ''If they don't help out, they don't get paid.''